President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the PECA amendment into law despite strong opposition from journalists, media organizations, and human rights activists. The amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 introduce stricter penalties for spreading “fake news” online. Critics argue that these changes threaten freedom of expression and press freedom.
Journalists Condemn PECA Amendments
The decision comes a day after the Senate approved the amendments, sparking nationwide protests by journalists. Many view the legislation as an attack on media freedom, while the opposition, particularly PTI, has strongly opposed its rushed passage.
Despite criticism, the PPP, which backed the bill, has hinted at potential revisions to address concerns raised by journalists. However, the law has already been enacted, leaving little room for immediate changes.
Strict Penalties for “Fake News”
The amendments add Section 26(A) to PECA, targeting individuals accused of spreading false information online. Those found guilty could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both. The law defines fake news as any information that a person “knows or has reason to believe” is false and likely to cause fear, panic, or unrest.
Protests and Political Reactions
Several organizations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, have raised concerns about the new amendments. Journalists have also called for stronger resistance against the law.
The Parliamentary Reporters’ Association (PRA) claimed that Zardari had initially assured them he would delay signing the bill. JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman reportedly intervened on their behalf, urging the president to reconsider. However, Zardari proceeded with the approval, breaking what some politicians saw as a commitment to further consultations.
JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza criticized the president’s decision, stating that he had assured them he would hold discussions before finalizing the bill. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also condemned the move, labeling it a betrayal of press freedom.
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Legal Challenges and Black Day Protests
PFUJ President Afzal Butt announced plans to challenge the amendments in court. He also revealed that media workers across Pakistan would observe a Black Day in protest. Journalists will wave black flags and wear black ribbons to express their opposition.
Digital rights activists, including Farieha Aziz, slammed the law as a dangerous precedent. Nighat Dad, a human rights lawyer, warned that social media users would face unprecedented restrictions on their freedom of speech. Usama Khilji, director of Bolo Bhi, called the amendments a “rollback of democracy” and criticized the government’s failure to consult stakeholders.
New Cybercrime Enforcement Agencies
The amendments also dissolve the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing and replace it with a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). This agency will be responsible for investigating online offenses.
Additionally, the government will establish a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) to oversee content on digital platforms. The authority will have the power to block content that contradicts the ideology of Pakistan or incites unrest. It can also remove content deemed offensive to the judiciary, armed forces, or members of parliament.
The law introduces a Social Media Complaint Council to handle user grievances. If social media platforms fail to comply with its directives, the council can escalate cases to a newly established Social Media Protection Tribunal.
A Blow to Free Speech?
With the PECA amendments now law, journalists, activists, and opposition leaders fear increasing restrictions on digital freedoms. The government argues that the changes are necessary to combat misinformation, but critics warn they could be used to silence dissent.
As protests continue and legal challenges mount, the debate over Pakistan’s cybercrime laws is far from over.
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